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Conflict and affiliative behavior frequency between cats in multi-cat households: a survey-based study
Ashley L Elzerman1, Theresa L DePorter1, Alexandra Beck2
1Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA.
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|October 19, 2019
Summary
Cat owners reported frequent conflict signs, especially with more cats. Higher harmony correlated with fewer conflicts and more affiliative behaviors, but household factors were not strong predictors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Understanding cat-cat interactions is crucial for feline welfare in multi-cat households.
- Previous research has limited data on the frequency of specific conflict and affiliative behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collect data on the frequency of conflict and affiliative signs in multi-cat households.
- To assess correlations between these behaviors and owner-rated cat-cat harmony.
- To determine relationships between household/cat population variables and behavior frequencies.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to 2492 cat owners in the USA.
- Spearman's correlations and chi-squared tests were used for analysis.
- Data focused on primary caregivers of 2-4 cats (indoor or indoor-outdoor).
Main Results:
- 73.3% of owners noted conflict signs during cat introductions.
- Staring was the most common conflict sign, followed by chasing and stalking.
- Affiliative signs and physical contact were more frequent than conflict signs.
- Higher perceived harmony correlated with less conflict and more affiliative behaviors.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first large-scale data on feline interaction frequencies.
- Owner perception of initial introductions impacts feline relationships.
- Household size and resource availability did not strongly predict interaction frequencies.
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